FARMERS in several northern states are in a quandary as they have yet to receive 20,000 tonnes of fertilisers from the troubled National Farmers’ Organisation (Nafas), the Dewan Rakyat was told.
The issue was raised by Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who claimed that farmers in six states, including the Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP), have yet to get subsidised fertilisers.“Farmers in Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak are still waiting for the fertilisers.
“For example, there are still more than 4,000 tonnes of fertilisers yet to be distributed in Kelantan, 8,000 tonnes in Kedah and 9,100 tonnes in Perlis.
“Nafas should be more action-driven and efficient,” he said when raising the issue during Question Time.
Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) said it would take some time to implement the proposed improvements for the organisation.
“In relation to what was raised by Beluran on the distribution of fertilisers, what short-term measures are being taken to address the delay?” he said.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup acknowledged that Nafas has been over-reliant on handling the distribution of subsidised fertilisers.
“At the same time, they have not been able to carry out the work well, particularly in the last three years,” he said, adding that efforts are ongoing to improve Nafas’ operations.
Responding to Cha, the deputy minister said an extension has been given to Nafas to complete the distribution of the subsidised fertilisers to the affected states.
Earlier, Kurup informed the House that an eight-point strategy is being implemented to improve Nafas’ operations.
Among the strategies are the setting up of an independent committee to review the organisation’s business plan over the next five years and forced merger or winding up of subsidiary companies that are inactive.
Other measures involve the restructuring of personnel, including limiting their authority.
On Jan 28, a former Nafas officer claimed trial to two counts of receiving bribes totalling about RM1.32mil from a Singaporean fertiliser supplier company.
